Emergency services were scrambled to the scene in Berkshire at 7.14am as traumatised passengers were ushered out of the station.

But when paramedics arrived, the woman, who was eight months pregnant, died from severe injuries. Her unborn baby died too.

Cops say her partner has been informed of the deaths.

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The woman had travelled only a short distance from her home in the Berkshire town to get to the station.

In an official statement, British Transport Police said: "We can confirm that the woman who was hit by the high-speed train – which was not due to stop at Slough station – was heavily pregnant. She suffered very severe injuries."

"The train was travelling from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads and was travelling at high speed when it struck the woman. The male train driver is receiving specialist counselling, as is usual in these cases," the spokesman added.

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The woman has not yet been named and police are waiting for formal identification.

The deaths threw yesterday’s morning commute into chaos as lines between Reading and London Paddington were closed.

Some lines had reopened by lunchtime, but the disruption continued throughout the day.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit a local branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.